It is often said in sport that defence wins championships, and if 2026 is anything to go by, Geelong could be mounting a serious case to be competing at the business end of the competition. 

After holding West Coast goalless for nearly the entire game last week, the Cats were able to lock down once again on Saturday against Fremantle, limiting them to a solitary behind through the second and third quarters. 

It meant that Geelong were able to grind out a healthy lead in difficult conditions at GMHBA Stadium, helping to build a 42-point lead by three quarter time and ultimately setting up a 10th consecutive win. 

Throughout the season, the Cats have found a healthy blend of experience and youth in defence, with the likes of Nicola Stevens and Becky Webster leading the charge, but certainly well supported by emerging talents like Lexi Gregor and Evie Cowcher. 

Assistant coach Sam Simpson looks after Geelong's backline, noting that a buy in from the whole team has been crucial to the defensive efforts. 

"It is something that we are obviously working on a lot, in terms of the whole team defence and how everyone applies themselves to that," Simpson told Cats Media after the game. 

"It makes defending a lot easier down there at times. But I think we are really developing in that area, the way we are maturing in that part of the ground and being able to defend.

"A lot of the time, we ask them to do it the hard way. I am proud of the group and the way that they stick together in those tougher moments.

"They stay connected, but we want to try and make it a four quarter effort. There is still definitely some room to improve, and we will be hard on ourselves in that because we are competitors.

"But it is certainly trending in the right direction."

Geelong stormed to a record-breaking 10th consecutive win on Saturday afternoon, defeating Fremantle by 30 points at GMHBA Stadium. 

The victory locks in at least a top four finish and a double chance in Finals for the Cats, with the chance to secure a top two spot and the right to host a Qualifying Final in the final round of the home-and-away season. 

It has been an incredible evolution for Geelong in 2026, already in the midst of a remarkable season in their first campaign under head coach Mick Stinear. 

Simpson gave full credit to the playing group for their commitment this year, continuing to look for ways to improve each week. 

"It is nice to be able to string a few together," Simpson said. 

"Probably more proud of the fact that we are winning and evolving week on week, not resting on our laurels.

"Coming into work and trying to get better every day, I think the group has really brought that. That is all you can ask for.

"It makes them so coachable, so that is what makes me really proud. Hopefully there is plenty left in the tank too."